Overview
Community Museums
Home to some of the oldest settlements in the area, the Grand Strand is a place that is rich not only in natural beauty, but cultural history as well. Luckily, there are several groups of historians in Horry County who have made it their goal to preserve artifacts, tell the stories of earlier local civilizations, and educate others about the area’s past. It’s easy to stay caught up in the present, especially while on vacation, but a trip to the past can sometimes be equally rewarding.
Art Museum of Myrtle Beach
Located on the south end of Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach’s only art museum has been attracting and displaying fine works of art since 1997. Past and present collections have included local, regional, national, and international artists whose work spans a wide range of mediums (painting, sculpture
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North Myrtle Beach Historical Museum
North Myrtle Beach is more than just the home of The Shag Dance. In fact, the area traces its history back over 10,000 years to when the first Native Americans roamed the coastal landscape. The goal of this museum is to provide a place where visitors can learn about what makes this part of Horry County unique, exploring topics such as Early Beginnings, Natural History, Beach Culture, Area History, Shag Dance, and Leisure Activities.
Horry County Museum
Named after Revolutionary War captain Peter Horry (pronounced O-ree), the county that Myrtle Beach belongs to has a long and storied history. Free and open to the public, this museum features exhibits in natural history, Native Americans, local military artifacts, textiles, beaches, as well as an ever-evolving photograph gallery.
L.W. Paul Living History Farm
The Living History Farm, an extension of the Horry County Museum, aims to recreate farm life in the area during the period of time from 1900-1955. Among the activities visitors can expect to see and learn about are plowing with mules, soap-making, grits-grinding, cow-milking, and crop-harvesting – all things that can easily be taken for granted in today’s fast-paced world.
Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum
This downtown Myrtle Beach museum is a factual and spiritual re-creation of the four-room building that housed African-American students from 1932-1953. In addition to being a place of historic preservation, the museum also serves as a reminder of the school’s essential role during the time of segregation.
South Carolina Maritime Museum
As South Carolina’s second-largest port, Georgetown has a rich history in the transportation, trade, and naval industries of the United States. Located on Front Street, visitors of the museum can explore this history through authentic artifacts, photographs, documents, and interactive exhibits. Also, the museum hosts a youth sailing camp for ages 8-14 each summer.
More Things To Do
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Check out these related entries from our 102 Things To Do in Myrtle Beach guide:
11. Exploring State Parks
Some Myrtle Beach visitors — and even many locals — never make it to our two State Parks. There are plenty of distractions here at the beach, no denying. But those who don’t visit are missing out on two of the jewels of our region, both offering ver …
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67. Downtown Conway
Just miles away from the beach is a whole different world in the historic city of Conway. The city is full of history and Southern charm with lots of shops and restaurants for visitors to check out. Most Myrtle Beach visitors see Conway as a town to pass …
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72. Beachwear Stores
The sun and sand are free, but you need some supplies before you hit the beach. The beach stores dotting corners and roads throughout the Grand Strand have become just as much a part of the vacation experience as the ocean itself. Whether you’re looking …
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75. Tattoos & Piercings
Gift shops are great, but maybe you’re looking for a more permanent memento of your trip to Myrtle beach. Limited by law to a small strip off the beaten path in Myrtle Beach, most area tattoo parlors call Seaboard Street home. Anyone wanting a tattoo or …
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16. Bowling
A classic diversion for both young and old, bowling has long been part of American culture. With a number of bowling alleys in the area, the Grand Strand offers families, friends and couples a wide variety of bowling and entertainment options. Everything …
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05. Jet Ski Rentals
Since the first Jet Skis rolled off the assembly lines in the late 1960s and into America’s lakes, rivers and oceans, watersports got a whole lot more fun. Like motorcycles on the water, jet skis, also called PWC (Personal Water Craft), are fast, fun, a …
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29. Arcades
As old as seaside vacations themselves, arcades, originally called “penny arcades,” have a long-standing tradition of entertaining crowds of all ages. Along the Grand Strand you’ll find games of chance, games of skill, and the unique sights and soun …
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49. Comedy Clubs & Shows
Stand-up comedy is funny on television, but being there is a completely different experience. And there aren’t many better ways to relax at night than checking out a few comedians at a Myrtle Beach comedy club — you’ll completely forget the …
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02. Parasailing
“Fly through the air with the greatest of ease!” Myrtle Beach parasailing captains have made it easy to soar like a bird. And on a beautiful Grand Strand day, the views are out of this world! Let area boat captains and crews launch you slowly, and saf …
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52. Go-Karts
Take a break from the water and test your need for speed on land at a fun go-kart attraction! Those brave enough to take on the cool watersports on our list of 102 Things to Do will also love the feeling of salt air whipping through their hair as they tak …
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10. Boat Cruises
With the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Intracoastal Waterway to the west, the numerous boat tours in Myrtle Beach provide a range of entertainment and sightseeing alternatives. From quiet Waterway dinner cruises to exciting casino boat experiences, …
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68. Historic Georgetown
The third-oldest city in South Carolina, Georgetown offers a glimpse of the state’s history along with great shopping, dining and scenery. Georgetown is located halfway between Myrtle Beach and Charleston along the Sampit River. The city embraces the Ma …
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